Preheat oven to 350°F.
Sift dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt) directly into an ungreased 8" square cake pan. (If you decide not to sift ingredients, cake won't be as light in texture, but will still be good - just be sure that the dry ingredients are mixed well).
Make 3 holes or in the dry mixture which is in the pan.
Into the first hole, pour the oil or melted butter.
Into the second hole, pour the vanilla extract or rum.
Into the third hole, pour the vinegar.
Drizzle the cup of cold water over the entire cake. Stir the mixture together using a fork until combined evenly.
Bake cake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
Run a knife along edges to loosen cake from pan after cooled, or cut into squares and serve directly from pan. Frost with whipped cream or chocolate frosting, if desired, or serve as is.
For a richer cake, beat one egg with enough water to measure 1 cup (and substitute for 1 cup water).
Tip: To save on dishes, bake cake in a disposable aluminum foil pan. This cake is nearly as simple to prepare as a cake mix! Great fun for kids, too.
Submitted by: CM
